Centering
Centering represents the act of drawing your
own mental and physical focus during exercise to the core or the center of your
body. The center of your body, often
called the “powerhouse” or “core”, refers to the area between your ribs and
hips and includes the upper and lower back muscles. The center is where power
is generated within the body and it is also the source of stability and support
for every kind of movement we make. All
movement radiates from the center outward in Pilates. Once we focus intently on the core work, we
can begin to add in other points of focus.
In our every day lives, the term “staying
centered,” relates to remaining mentally calm, collected and balanced in the
midst of our often-chaotic lives. We can apply this to our physical
activity as well. Learning to work from your core can help you feel strong,
powerful and calm and you are less likely to feel overwhelmed or out of
control.
This month, bring your focus inward.
“Self-confidence, poise,
consciousness of possessing the power to accomplish our desires, with renewed
lively interest in life, are the natural results of the practice of Contrology.”
–Joseph Pilates
